Bike Servicing

[krisgoss]

Hi all,
I have been a regular commuter for the past 2 months - racked up just over 100 miles so far. I bought the bike off a mate, who has just had it in the shed for ages, so I chucked some slick tyres on it, and off I go. That is all i've done, except oil the chain every weekend and pump the tyres up, so is it due for a service?
What do they tend to do in a service? As i'm sure my wheels aren't on straight and the gears aren't lined up properly.
Or should I just ring my local bike shop and ask them? Thing is though - the bike is really cheap, so don't want to spend much on it.

Thanks,
Kris

 

[Alan Whicker]

Most bike shops do a few levels of service, from a 'safety check', right up to a full strip and rebuild. A typical service might entail adjusting cables, gear and brake check, checking of headset and bottom bracket, replacing any worn parts, etc. Prices can vary considerably, so do ring them up. At the very least you should probably get your wheels and gears(and maybe brakes and chain) looked at. I tend to do my own basic service and fettling using the Haynes Bike Book. Anything involving special spanners and I'm up at the LBS.

What bike is it? Even if it was "really cheap" it's probably worth looking after.

 

[accountantpete]

The wheels probably need truing, I'd also have a look at the inner tubes and the rim tape and finally it may be worth getting the hubs re-greased.

Take the chain off the chainring and give the cranks a spin to ensure that the BB is spinning freely.

Give the brake blocks a quick scrub with a scouring pad and clean the rims with a bit of cloth.

Measure the chain for signs of wear.

The gears are fettled by means of an adjuster knob by the rear mech.


Most of these jobs are reasonably simple and you will find guidance videos on You Tube for just about everything.

 

[numbnuts]

have a read of this http://www.parktool.com/repair/bikemap.asp

 

[Mystique]

Most of these jobs are reasonably simple and you will find guidance videos on You Tube for just about everything.

+1

 

[krisgoss]

Thanks for the help everyone!

I will look at all of this in more detail when I get chance, and a bit of half tidy weather!
Thanks for the link as well, looks very promising!

 

[potsy]

Most of these jobs are reasonably simple and you will find guidance videos on You Tube for just about everything.

+1 I recently fettled my brakes on the hybrid,they were very sloppy and was pulling the lever nearly all the way to the bars before they gripped.After following a link from here to a really simple method of sorting them out it was a 2 minute job.They are now spot-on.
Once you've done a few bits of fixing it gives you confidence to try more,before you know it you'll be up to Hellfrauds standards